Kabul Korrespondence: Guinness Book of records for the most Afghan students sardined into a van.

Guinness Book of records for the most Afghan students sardined into a van.

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Today we packed 16 students from the Dari Language Photojournalism class and 2 teachers into our little Aina van. Our destination was the shrine of Tapeh Nader Khan (Sir Nader's Hill). This is where the Shah of Afghanistan, who was the country's ruler during the 60's and 70's, is buried.

Under the shimmering red satin, a new catacomb is being built for the Shar's very ill son.

The Dari P.J. class is only in week 4 of their course. Here they are showing amazing enthusiam and potential.

The Shrine was a stimulating place for them to use the cameras in a peaceful, yet visually stunning location.

It didnt take long for the students to get into the 'zone' and start capturing some tight images.

They managed to have a lot of fun too, fooling around shooting and posing for each other.

We had them practice techniques such as using exposure lock when shooting into the sun.

We encouraged them to be aware of the common beginner's habit of centralising their subject. Alternatively, we got them to consider positioning their subject outside the central area.

Gender played an interesting role in the students' behaviour. The boys venturedout on their own, whilst the girls tended to stick together

.....most of the time.....

Overall, it was a creative and succesful trip. We squeezed back into our van for a raucous ride back to media centre.

This weekend I'm taking the English speaking class on a three day field trip to Jalalabad in Eastern Afhganistan. No doubt Ill have some great shots to show you when I return.
Until then Houda Fez!

posted by Travis, 9:23 pm